Why UK recommits to partnership with South Africa

In 2007 the UN General Assembly resolved to observe an International Day of Democracy each year on September 15. In the year that South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy after the end of apartheid in 1994, it feels particularly timely to reflect on its significance, since our shared commitment to democracy underpins the modern-day partnership between South Africa and the United Kingdom.

Both countries have, of course, had elections this year. Indeed, by the end of the year almost half of the world’s population will have headed to the polls.

A commitment to free and fair elections, allowing citizens to have their say, has never been more important. In the UK, Sir Keir Starmer became the first Labour prime minister to win a UK election since 2005. Here in South Africa, we saw the formation of the government of national unity, with 10 parties coming together to form a government committed to reflecting the will of the people.

Beyond our commitment to democratic values, there’s a lot of synergy between our ambitions for the future. We share a focus on inclusive economic growth, creating opportunity for all. We are both determined to create more equal and diverse societies.

And as my prime minister and president Cyril Ramaphosa stated when they spoke on July 7, and our foreign ministers agreed when they met on July 16, we share a firm ambition to work together as partners to achieve these outcomes. At the same time, we and our other partners face collective challenges. We’re witnessing more conflict, rapidly changing technologies and a climate emergency. So, how do we work together on these issues, and what more can we do together to advance democratic values globally?

One of our greatest shared challenges is the climate emergency. We are committed to working with South Africa and our partners to reduce the devastating impacts of climate change

The growth agenda is at the heart of both governments priorities. We want an inclusive economy and growth that creates jobs and addresses global challenges. This is why the UK continues to invest in South Africa, and why our trade relationship is so important. South Africa is our largest economic partner on the continent, accounting for over £10.3 billion (R 237bn) in trade each year.

The UK remains the leading international investor in South Africa, supporting growth, jobs and innovation. We both recognise the importance of tackling corruption, kleptocracy and money laundering to ensure our democratic values are not eroded, and to create the best environment for them to flourish.

The Zondo commission’s role uncovering state capture is further proof of the strength of South Africa’s judiciary. The UK government is committed to working with partners to tackle the transnational nature of corruption. The recent appointments of the first female chief justices in the UK and South Africa is a striking example of our commitment to striving for a more inclusive society.

One of our greatest shared challenges is the climate emergency. We are committed to working with South Africa and our partners to reduce the devastating impacts of climate change. As part of our investment in the Just Energy Transition Partnership, we are working with local municipalities to invest in and improve public service delivery, especially energy and water.

We are also excited about The Earthshot Prize coming to Cape Town in November. The prize aims to discover, spotlight and help grow innovative solutions that are working to repair and regenerate our planet. This is an incredible opportunity to work together, showcasing the best of South Africa to the world. But we cannot address the world’s challenges alone. We require collaboration from all our partners, including in multilateral forums.

The UK is committed to working with our allies to build, strengthen and reform multilateral positions. We are advocates of permanent African representation and membership at the UN Security Council. The UK and South Africa are already partners in the G20 and the Commonwealth, where we work together to address the threats we face, and to uphold human rights and international law.

We are excited by South Africa taking on the G20 presidency next year, and the chance to work together to deliver shared priorities. Fundamentally, our government sets out to build on our relationship with countries like South Africa with genuine respect, to support these common interests. Which is why the UK in South Africa is working so closely in partnership with South Africa to accelerate sustainable and inclusive growth, to ensure societies around the world are more resilient, and in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.

These are the values that we recommit to today, on the International Day of Democracy, and aspire to deliver in partnership with South Africa.

• Phillipson is high commissioner of the UK in South Africa